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A Brock University arts centre is getting $26.2 million in funding from the province, setting the stage for what some hope will be downtown revitalization.

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley announced Wednesday morning that Ontario will provide the money over four years to help build a new home for the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

The school, currently on Brock's campus, will relocate to a new home within the Niagara Centre for the Arts, planned for downtown in the Canada Hair Cloth Building.

"Our investment in Brock University will help support St. Catharines' vibrant arts community, attract more people downtown, and generate economic development for the entire Niagara region," Bradley said in a statement.

"Many of you have waited with eager anticipation - some more patiently than others," said Bradley, hinting at the amount of lobbying and support from both Brock and the community.

"That advocacy has been heard."

Bradley's announcement was greeted with cheers and sustained applause from the roughly 200 people who gathered in the weedy parking lot of the former industrial building in downtown St. Catharines.

The school will house 500 full-time students and faculty members and will include space for a theatre, rehearsals, teaching and research studios.

It's considered an integral feature of the city's larger plan for a performing arts complex on St. Paul St.

The funding - the full amount requested by Brock - is part of the McGuinty government's new five-year Open Ontario plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth.

In May 2009, Canada and Ontario each committed a maximum of $18 million under the Building Canada Plan to support construction of the Niagara Centre for the Arts.

Brock president Jack Lightstone said the next step is the hiring of the project manager - expected to be announced in three weeks.